The Scottish Liberal Democrat Green Energy Commission report 'Scotland's energy future' can be downloaded here. The commission, consisting of the Scottish Liberal Democrat Energy Spokesman Liam McArthur MSP and a panel of experts, considered the challenges presented by climate change in setting out a vision for Scotland's energy future. The report is being debated at the Spring conference in Perth.
Introduction - Liam McArthur MSP
It is no exaggeration to say that the threat and consequences of climate change are potentially catastrophic. The time for equivocation is over: scientific, political and social consensus on the need for action is now overwhelming.
Dealing with the climate change phenomenon will demand a radical response from individuals, businesses, communities and society as a whole, changing the way we live our lives and the use we make of the world’s scarce resources. Some of these changes will be minor and easy to embrace. Others will be more challenging and will doubtless meet with some resistance.
With its contribution to harmful greenhouse gas emissions and its traditional reliance on finite fuel sources, energy is at the forefront of the climate change debate. The further and significant challenges we face of energy security and soaring fuel costs provide a clear direction towards a future where ecentralised, low-carbon sources of energy provide the majority of our energy requirements. How, where and when we generate, distribute and use our energy requires a fundamental and immediate overhaul.
Yet by making greater use of energy as a lever for economic development, Scotland can seize the opportunity to develop new supplies, invest and apply new technologies and capture the financial and environmental benefits that will come with spearheading the energy efficiency and renewables revolution.
This will encourage innovation and a new generation of green-collar jobs, giving industry an extra incentive to retain or locate operations in Scotland. With modernised infrastructure and networks, increased storage capacity and a transition towards a smart grid, Scotland can also be at the forefront of reducing costs to businesses and households alike.
It is our view that any discussion of new nuclear power undermines the total commitment that is needed to advance safe, renewable energy. New nuclear build would distract investment from genuine clean energy development while leaving Scotland with a longer and costlier legacy of waste disposal. We are committed to a carbonfree, nuclear-free energy future for Scotland.
Scottish Liberal Democrats are proud of our track record in government on energy and energy efficiency, but we recognise the changing nature of the challenges ahead. Our Green Energy Commission of respected and independent experts has considered these issues and this policy paper sets out our vision for Scotland’s energy future and the key steps needed to secure our objectives. I am grateful to the Commission members for their considerable commitment and expertise, which provides a solid platform for informing the party’s policy direction in the years to come.
Liam McArthur MSP
March 2010
"RSPB Scotland supports this further confirmation that Scotland should, and can, address climate change in a manner that does not harm the environment. We welcome commitment by any political party to address emissions of greenhouse gases from energy use, and its production and distribution, by policies built on the energy hierarchy. Such a hierarchy is the most sustainable solution that reduces energy demand, improves energy efficiency and ensures renewables are sited so as to minimise damage our natural environment. We look forward to hearing the debate at Scottish Liberal Democrat conference and will be encouraged if the party commits itself to such a sustainable approach in its manifestos for the forthcoming UK and Scottish elections." - Lloyd Austin, Head of Conservation Policy, RSPB Scotland
"We welcome this report which sets out many important policies that would help deliver a low carbon Scotland. By reforming our approach to energy we can make massive cuts in Scotland's climate emissions and at the same time realise the economic opportunities associated with energy efficiency and greening our energy supply. These proposals set out a strong agenda for Scotland's energy policy and we urge the party to work with others at Holyrood to secure both new jobs and cuts in climate emissions by delivering on these ideas." - Dr Dan Barlow, Head of Policy, WWF Scotland
The full report can be downloaded here.
